Another sunny Sunday afternoon as 36 eager Hashers boarded the Hashmobile to Long Hai. The enthusiasm was palpable as we disembarked, no time for a chalk talk, everyone set off behind Hare, Paddy, and Co-Hare, Secs, who’d gone ahead to ensure that the trail was still clearly marked from when it was set two weeks ago.

This was a gentle trail that took us down shady country lanes and passed small farms. Somewhat bemused, the local people and livestock, looked on as the procession of Hashers diverted their attention from their Sunday afternoon proclivities.

We head on the main road to take us on the final leg towards the beach, and a thirsty Boozer dashed to the front of the pack, desperate to get back for a cold San Miguel. However, in his haste, he misses a right turn and has to be called back before he ends up in the next province. To ensure other Hashers don't suffer the same fate as Boozer, Co-Hare, Secs, ties some additional red tape to mark the turn off, and Hare Paddy, waits to guide the next set of Hashers in right direction.

Alas, on arriving back at the down-down area we discover that the bus is parked several hundred meters from the place we showed the driver to meet us. Despite several requests from various Hashers the driver refused to move the bus, meaning we have hand carry the beer and ice laden eskies, as well as all the food etc, to the area we’d marked for the down-down. Once we’d moved all our stuff to the down-down, the driver suddenly decides that he will move the bus to where he was supposed to be.

Anyway, a circle is formed and a tired Buddha is called on to rate the trail. He gives Hares, Faulty Brakes and Paddy, 10/10 for the trail, mostly because he was happy to have completed it and not be the last one back. Well done Hares and Buddha.

Next, Ringmaster Basil, announces we have a birthday to celebrate and calls Mr. Luc to enter the circle. We all sing Happy Birthday and Iris and Mushroom present him with a birthday cake, despite finding it challenging to light the candles in the sea breeze.

Now the virgins. An unusual first timer amongst the virgins this week; it could be the first time we welcome a canine friend as a Hasher. Sandy, the Chihuahua, is introduced by Boozer. This is not the first time Sandy has met our group, she has been to couple of down-downs and parties before, however, this is the first time Sandy has joined us on an actual run. Boozer tells us that he rescued Sandy from the streets of Thailand two years ago and brought her to Vung Tau last year. Like a true Hasher, Sandy laps up a San Miguel as we formally welcome her to the group. When asked how she enjoyed her first hash, after a short paws, she barked, “Ruff!”

Three more virgins to welcome, Peter from Australia - a friend of Zidane; and Mari from Australia and Cartoon from Thailand.

This week we have 3 returnees, Brenda and Bob who both said that the can only come back to Vietnam once a year and so do not have the chance to join us a much as they would like to. We also welcome back Aqua who has been holidaying in Italy.

The sinners this week were: Radio Wave for forgetting to make sure the battery was charged in the microphone he brought with him; Virgin Peter for wearing sandals, or “Aussie runners” as he described them; Boozer for going the wrong way; and finally, Sandy for not wearing any shoes - making her a “no Shoehuahua”. Hash Flash, Shamil, was also invited into the circle to drink from the Hash Flash Lens cup.

Next order of business is to give Shamil his Hash Name and to re-christen Shortwave with a new Hash Name. After some deliberation Shamil decided on “Shomik” which is the nickname his friends have known him as since childhood.

Radio Wave, Shortwave’s father, explains that, many years ago, when he joined the Hash and brought his young children along the names Shortwave and Microwave seemed appropriate. However, now his daughter had grown so tall, the name no longer suits her. So time to find a new name and, as she is interested in fashion, the name Chanel, after the prolific French fashion creator and businesswoman, is chosen.

Finally, Basil reminded everyone about the 800th run and Faulty Brakes, Secs and Mr. T agreed to set a trail on Big Mountain for Run # 799 this Sunday.

We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather!On On